Key Stuck

This old thread
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=98781&referrerid=390789
Has lots of good info on the key stuck problem.
The 3rd post on Page 3 asks a question that never got answered.

If the GP is programmed to unlock the doors when the shifter is placed in Park, does this use the same circuit/signal that the key release uses?

I ask because my key is sticking, but my doors always unlock. If both processes use the same signal, it would seem logical that the solenoid in the shifter is sending the signal, that the fuse is relaying the signal, and that the door locks are getting it, but the release solenoid in the column is not.

Any input on these two being related or not?

I've removed the center console to be able to see/feel/hear the shifter solenoid better, but so far (3 days) the problem hasn't shown up since.

hey, i dont know anything about it man, but i have the same issue here too. the locks unlock, but it seems sometimes that if i move the shifter around and crank the steering wheel, it unlocks. i also just let it sit once for two or three minutes, then it "read" the position and let the key out. its getting annoying, makin me late for work and in the navy, i cant do that. please help me and monkeylizard out!!!

Thank the LORD!! Someone else has this problem and I'm not crazy!! I've had my car to the dealer twice and I'm sure they think I'm nuts as they cannot get the key to get stuck!! It's progressively getting worse in my 2002 Grand Prix. The key will not go in the lock position especially if the weather is warmer. The dealer quoted me $500 to fix even though they couldn't find any thing wrong with it!!! IAND Charged me $85 to tell me that much!! I will try some of these suggestions. I've tried turning wheels every directions, moving shifter in and out of park, and the only thing that seems to work is if all the moons in mars ar in alignment. lol

I just had this problem TODAY! and found a solution from Patrick at Milton Ont. Can. Canadian tire.

I was doing brakes and asked buddy to shift the car to move it and he did something that then made the key only turn 1/2 way back and left me with a "Stuck Key".

I couldn't figure it out and today being Saturday of the long weekend and 4:45pm I said WTH, I'll go desperate and ask CTire. After talking to Patrick for 30 seconds while car off, key stuck and shifter in park; he rocked the car lightly back and forth while I then removed my key.

I hope this works for you!

The shifter cable is slightly stretched I believe and I'll get that adjusted for a few bucks.
1999 Grand Prix GT 250,000 Km.

Add another one to the list. My 01 Grand prix is doing the same thing. I'll try some of the things listed in the forum, thanks.

Yeah guys I had the same problem develop around a month and half ago and it got progressively worse to the point where the key would never come out. But I read a post (on this site I believe) about the manual release, which is right under the steering wheel. All you have to do is shove a pen in there and the key is instantly allowed to turn all the way to be taken out no problem. I have been getting my key out this way for the past month, since I'm not sure if spending 500 bux and no guarantee is worth it. My only concern is if there are any negative effects using this manual release, though I don't think there should be since the car is definitely turned off already. Thanks guys.

ok... kinda hard to explain. i had the same problem. i didnt want to spend all the money, so i tinkered with it for a little while. the solenoid that has the manual release part on it was white in my car. up all the way towards the top of that. back towards the dash, there is a little cap. it takes a little convincing but it does come off. take that cap off, and take the metal spring, and the little metal rod out. and you wont have the problem anymore. it doesnt really effect anything except for the fact that if you now turn it off while its in gear, you can turn it back to lock and take the key out. but other than that, everything works great... easy way to save urself the 500 bucks, and def. easier than tryin to play with the solenoid down by the shifter. good luck guys!!!

or you can pick up a key lock solenoid from a salvage yard for next to nothing, because most of the people there have no idea of what it is.

tilt the steering wheel all the way up stick your finger behind the steering wheel. try to feel for a small cylinder and press it in. your key will release. It works everytime.

tilt the steering wheel all the way up stick your finger behind the steering wheel. try to feel for a small cylinder and press it in. your key will release. It works everytime.

richmn605,

Welcome to AF.

Thanks for your input to the forum. However, please check the date and do not resurrect old threads. See forum guidelines at link below. And use your common sense on replying to old threads. I seriously doubt your reply would help on a problem or issue first posted last year Apr 2007 and with a last reply/post date of August 2007. This thread has been closed from any further discussion.

Old Thread Rule (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=889742)